Course Syllabus

SS 314:  Culture, History, and Language

Study Abroad Japan: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University & Osaka Metropolitan University

Dr. Ashley Rea

Email: ashley.rea@erau.edu

Line ID: ashley.rea

University Course Description

An introduction to the culture and language of a region of the world through cultural immersion and a variety of communicative exercises. Language training is conducted entirely (or predominantly) in the language of the region of focus. Students cultivate elementary listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the foreign language as well as familiarity with the culture and history of the region. Moreover, field trips through various historical sites give students perspective on how the language and culture has developed over time.

Course Overview

The course focuses on the genre of travel and adventure nonfiction literature and travel writing as a professional genre. We will learn about Japanese language, culture, and history through Japanese authors writing about their experiences and how visitors to Japan create compelling narratives about their experiences. This class will ask you to compose in multiple modes and media as you reflect on your experiences this summer.

Learning Outcomes

This course will result in students contemplating and sharing responses to both the craft of travel/adventure nonfiction and to the questions such works pose in the writers’ exploration of being human, of nature, and of culture.

Goals

•     Extend skills in critical thinking through interpreting primary texts.
•     Extend skills in communication through a variety of assignments sharing the above interpretations.
•     Research topics relevant to content and/or style of primary texts.
•     Identify the major elements of the genre of travel/adventure nonfiction.
•     Identify the major elements of effective writing as revealed in the primary texts.

Required Materials

To fully participate in this class, students will be required to have access to the following:

• Canvas Login to access course readings and documents
• ERAU student email

Assignments & Grading

Brief descriptions of the major course assignments are included below. Complete descriptions for Assignments 1-4 can be found starting on page 6 of the syllabus.

Assignment 1: Osaka Guidebook Entry (250-300 words)

For Assignment 1, you will imagine you are a travel writer contributing to Frommer's Guide to Japan. Your task is to create a guidebook entry for a local attraction, restaurant, or shop in Osaka, designed as a concise, fact-checked guidebook entry. Your chosen establishment should be one that showcases the unique cultural experiences and flavors of Japan.

Assignment 2: Japan Photo Essay (5-8 images + less than 1000 words of accompanying captions)

For Assignment 2, you have the opportunity to showcase your photography skills and storytelling abilities by creating a captivating photo essay in either Instagram or online newspaper travel section format. Your photo essay should focus on one destination, neighborhood, city, or region of Japan, allowing readers to experience the essence of the place through your carefully-curated images and sparely-written captions.

Assignment 3: Travel Blog or Vlog (Two 400-500-word blog posts or 2-5 minute videos)

For Assignment 3, we will collaboratively author a travel blog as a class for an audience of future study abroad students. Each person in our class will be assigned to blog on two days of our study abroad program. Blog posts should be 400-500 words and include at least one image with caption.

Assignment 4: First-Person Travel Article (~1250 words)

For Assignment 4, you will have the opportunity to share a captivating first-person feature travel article about a specific part of your experience in Japan. Your article should be 1250 words long and provide readers with an engaging and informative account of your encounter with a particular aspect of Japanese culture, a memorable destination, or a unique experience.

Assignment 5: Final Reflection: (500 words)

Your final assignment asks you to reflect on your study abroad experience in a short essay.

ERAU Study Abroad Programs use a Pass/Not Pass grading system. In order to earn a “Pass” grade, you must actively participate in our class discussions, guest lectures, and field trips, and complete all five assignments.

Course Policies

Punctual submissions in the required format are expected for all assignments.

• Please come to class prepared to discuss the required reading for the day. Assignments will be due by 11:59 PM on the designated date.
• Your assignments must be uploaded to Canvas (unless otherwise stated); you must ensure that your paper is posted by the time of the required due date.

Contacting Me

I will primarily communicate with students individually via Line and ERAU email. Please check our classroom spaces and your email regularly so you don’t miss any important updates or adjustments to our schedule. I expect you to use a professional approach when communicating with your peers and with me. If you do not know what this means, please ask.

 Attendance

In this course, attendance is considered a valuable mechanism for pushing forward class discussion. Please keep in mind that when you do miss class, you miss the chance to participate in class activities.

• Missing one class will be cause for a 10% reduction of the final course grade.
• Missing two classes will be cause for a 20% reduction of the final course grade.
• Missing three classes will result in failing the course entirely.

Accessibility Accommodations

ERAU is committed to access for all students. It is University policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities who qualify for services. Students with a documented (dis)ability should meet with me during the first two weeks of class to discuss possible accommodations through the Disability Support Services (DSS) office. However, if a student receives documentation of a (dis)ability later in the semester, I would still like to meet to discuss accommodations. Please feel free to speak with me privately, as I am happy to speak with you about making arrangements that will help you get the most out of this class. If you would like to discuss and/or request accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services. DSS is located on the first floor of Hazy Library, at the end of the hall. You may stop by, call 928.777.6750, or email the director at marcee.keller@erau.edu.

Classroom Civility

Students at ERAU are expected to exhibit professional and ethical behavior in the classroom. Respect for other students and instructors is required to contribute to a productive learning experience both in and out of the classroom. Students who do not cultivate a professional ethos in the classroom will receive either a warning or dismissal if the behavior is not corrected.

Please be respectful of the different experiences, beliefs, and values expressed by everyone in this course. This class should be a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing perspectives, asking questions, and taking productive risks. Behaviors that threaten, harass, or discriminate against anyone will be addressed with disciplinary action, which may include being referred to the Office of the Dean of Students. Unacceptable, inappropriate behaviors include:

• making rude comments regarding students, me as the instructor, or the course material
• inhibiting the participation of other students or posting distracting remarks
• physically or verbally disrupting class spaces or activities
•  abusing other students’ contact information
•   refusing to engage in scheduled learning activities

Be a generous and kind colleague. Engage with each other respectfully at all times. This doesn’t mean we have to always agree, but we should strive to interact with kindness and understanding.

If you at any time feel uncomfortable in our class spaces or are upset with any aspect of our course, please let me know privately in a mature, respectful way.

Academic Integrity

Embry-Riddle is committed to maintaining and upholding intellectual integrity. All students, faculty, and staff have obligations to prevent violations of academic integrity and take corrective action when they occur. The adjudication process will include the sanction imposed on students who commit the following academic violations, which may include a failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade for the course, suspension, or dismissal from the University.

1.      Plagiarism: Presenting as one’s own ideas, words, or products of another. Plagiarism includes use of any source to complete academic assignments without proper acknowledgment of the source.

2.      Cheating: A broad term that includes the following:

a.      Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during examinations.

b.     The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or following administration of the examination.

c.      Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be individual work.

d.     Fraud and deceit, which include knowingly furnishing false or misleading information or failing to furnish appropriate information when requested, such as when applying for admission to the University.

My assumption will always be that your writing and other creative work is original and generated purposefully for this course during the summer semester of 2023. There are many types of plagiarism—some more obvious than others, but there are subtle forms you may not be aware of. A good rule of thumb to live by: if you're not sure whether you're violating these rules, talk to me about it before turning in the work in question. We are here to learn, after all.

Privacy of Student Records

The University respects the rights and privacy of students in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The University may disclose certain items of directory information without the consent of the student, unless the student submits a written non-disclosure request. Students are required to file requests for non-disclosure with the Office of the Registrar. Non-disclosure forms remain in place permanently, unless the office is notified otherwise.

Nondiscrimination Statement/Title IX

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University continually strives to recognize, respect, and celebrate the differences and cultural identities among individuals as we recruit, support, and embrace our diverse community. We work to provide a safe environment where self-expression is welcome. We strive to create a campus climate that is free of discrimination so that networks, partnerships, and cultural competency can be fostered through leadership, integrity, and respect.

In so doing, Embry-Riddle does not permit discrimination or harassment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristic, age, religion, pregnancy status, or any other characteristic protected by University policy or state, local or federal law.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in employment and in access to educational opportunities. Therefore, any member of the campus community, guest or visitor who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational, employment, and/or social access, benefits, and/or opportunities of any member of the campus community on the basis of their actual or perceived membership in the protected classes listed above is in violation of the University policy on nondiscrimination. When brought to the attention of the University, any such discrimination will be appropriately remedied by the University.

If you have questions or need guidance regarding your Title IX rights, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at 928-777-3747.

Other Student Responsibilities

All Embry-Riddle students are responsible for knowing all academic regulations and procedures required for continued attendance at the University. These regulations and procedures are presented in University publications such as the catalog, the Student Handbook, the Flight Operations Manual, and the Academic Policies and Procedures Manual. These documents are available for reference either online or at the Office of the Registrar, student government offices, and academic departments throughout the University. A student who requires clarification of any policy or regulation should seek help from their academic advisor, program/department chair, or the Office of the Registrar. University regulations will not be waived because a student pleads ignorance of established policies and procedures. The university reserves the right to change curricula and academic regulations and procedures without notice or obligation.

Syllabus Change Policy

Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.